Starter Guitars & Basses
Launch your musical journey on the right note with our hand-selected collection of beginner-friendly instruments. Finding a great starter guitar is the most important step in learning to play. A high-quality, comfortable instrument makes practicing enjoyable and helps you progress quickly. Whether you are looking for a versatile electric guitar starter pack, a warm-toned starter acoustic guitar, or a solid foundation with a starter bass, we have the perfect instrument to fit your style and budget.
We believe beginners deserve a perfectly playing instrument even more than professionals. That is why every single starter guitar we sell undergoes a rigorous, multi-point inspection and a professional workshop setup (worth £75) by our expert techs in our Huntingdon showroom before shipping, ensuring it plays effortlessly straight out of the box.
✓ Hand-Selected for Playability
✓ Free Fully Insured UK Delivery over £99
✓ Professional Setup Included
Explore Starter Guitars & Basses at MusicStreet
Aria 101UP STRD - Acoustic Guitar
Aria 101 MTTS - Acoustic Guitar
Aria 101 MTBK - Acoustic Guitar
Aria MSG-02CE Natural - Acoustic Guitar
Aria FET-T1
Squier Mini Jazzmaster HH Electric Guitar - Surf Green
Squier Mini Jazzmaster HH Electric Guitar - Olympic White
Squier Mini Jazzmaster HH Electric Guitar - Daphne Blue
Yamaha Pacifica 112J - Old Violin Sunburst
Yamaha Pacifica 112J - Lake Placid Blue
Yamaha Pacifica 112J - Black
Yamaha Pacifica 112J Left Hand Electric Guitar - Black
Yamaha Pacifica 112J Left Hand - Yellow Natural Satin
Yamaha BB234 Bass - Vintage White
Yamaha Pacifica 112J - Yellow Natural Satin
Yamaha BB234 Bass - Raspberry red
Squier Classic Vibe '70s Thinline Telecaster Electric Guitar - Natural
Starter Guitars & Beginner Guitar Packs — Electric, Acoustic & Classical
Start your musical journey with confidence at MusicStreet. We hand-select the best beginner guitars from trusted brands including Fender, Squier, Ibanez, Yamaha, and Epiphone. For new players, easy playability and low string action make all the difference — that’s why every single starter guitar sold at MusicStreet receives a complete in-house guitar setup by our expert luthiers in Huntingdon before it leaves our store.
Easy Playability Setup
Low string action and calibrated neck relief to ensure comfortable learning for beginners.
12-Month Guarantee
Full UK manufacturer warranty plus ongoing workshop support in Huntingdon.
Complete Starter Packs
Everything you need to play: guitar, amp, gig bag, strap, cable, and plectrums.
The MusicStreet Setup Advantage: Why Your Starter Guitar Deserves It
Starter guitars are highly responsive, beautifully resonant instruments, but their unique construction makes them exceptionally sensitive to environmental changes. Because beginner bodies feature lighter bracing and thinner solid tops, the wood expands and contracts rapidly under shifting temperatures and relative humidity levels. Furthermore, maintaining stable tuning and comfortable low action on a starter instrument requires expert calibration of string heights, neck relief, and nut slots.
At MusicStreet, we ensure your starter guitar plays flawlessly from the moment you open the case. We perform a **complimentary £75 professional workshop setup** on every single starter guitar we sell. Our expert luthiers adjust the truss rod, file the nut slots to prevent string binding, set the bridge height and saddle radius for a comfortable low action, set the intonation, and polish the frets.
🔧 Free £75 Professional Setup
Every starter guitar is individually set up in our in-house workshop. We adjust the action, intonation, neck relief, and nut slots to match your playing style, ensuring it plays perfectly straight out of the box.
🛡️ 12-Month Warranty
We stand behind every instrument we sell. All of our starter guitars come with a full 12-month warranty, giving you complete peace of mind with your purchase.
🚚 Free UK Delivery & 7-Day Returns
Get free, fully insured UK shipping on all orders over £99. If the guitar isn't the perfect fit for your hands, return it to us within 7 days for a hassle-free refund or exchange.
Choosing Your First Instrument: The MusicStreet Way
At MusicStreet, we believe that a beginner's instrument should never feel like a toy. In fact, a poorly made guitar with high action (strings too far from the fretboard) and sharp fret edges is the number one reason why new players give up. That is why we only stock beginner guitars from reputable, world-class brands that prioritize proper ergonomics, comfortable neck profiles, and lower string tension. Explore our core offerings:
Squier Starter Guitars
The modern standard for fast-playing performance. **Squier starter guitars** are designed by Fender, offering authentic Stratocaster, Telecaster, and Precision Bass designs with legendary rock heritage. Delivering that unmistakable Fender chime, clarity, and robust low-end, these guitars offer exceptional professional performance at an incredibly accessible price point.
Yamaha Starter Guitars
Vintage heart meets modern reliability. **Yamaha starter guitars** are celebrated for their flawless Japanese quality control, exceptional tuning stability, and robust construction. Both brands offer professional-grade ergonomics and materials at a highly accessible price point, making them perfect for learning.
Starter Basses & Pre-Owned
For those who want to drive the groove. Finding the **best starter bass guitar** means looking for a comfortable neck profile and reliable tuning stability. Squier and Yamaha offer incredible entry-level basses that deliver authentic low-end punch. We also stock a constantly rotating selection of certified pre-owned starter guitars. Explore our used range in our Pre-Owned Collection, browse our Acoustic Guitars, or view our Electric Guitars.
Guitar Trade-In & Part-Exchange Program
Ready to upgrade your current starter guitar? We make it incredibly easy to trade in your pre-owned gear. Through our straightforward guitar part-exchange program, you can bring your old guitar, amplifier, or effects pedals into our showroom (or send us details online) and put its value directly toward any new or used starter guitar in our store.
Visit Our Huntingdon Guitar Showroom
If you are searching for premium guitar shops in Cambridgeshire, come visit our showroom in Huntingdon. Located at 10 Chequers Court, our showroom features a dedicated electric guitar and acoustic guitar room where you can sit back, play, and compare different neck profiles, scale lengths, and pickup configurations side-by-side. We are easily accessible from Cambridge, Peterborough, and Bedford, with convenient parking nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions About Starter Guitars
Should I start with an acoustic or an electric guitar? +
Both have unique advantages! A **starter acoustic guitar** is highly portable, requires no extra gear, and is perfect for traditional styles. However, an **electric guitar starter** model is actually physically easier to play because the strings are thinner and closer to the fretboard, requiring less finger pressure. We always recommend choosing the style of guitar that matches the music you love to listen to, as that will keep you motivated to practice!
What makes Squier and Yamaha starter guitars so popular? +
**Squier starter guitars** are designed by Fender, offering authentic Stratocaster, Telecaster, and Precision Bass designs with legendary rock heritage. **Yamaha starter guitars** are celebrated for their flawless Japanese quality control, exceptional tuning stability, and robust construction. Both brands offer professional-grade ergonomics and materials at a highly accessible price point.
What accessories do I need to get started with an electric guitar? +
To get the most out of your electric guitar, you will need a **good starter guitar amp**, an instrument cable, a guitar strap, a digital tuner, and a selection of plectrums (picks). We offer a variety of compact, user-friendly practice amplifiers that feature headphone jacks for silent practice and built-in effects to keep your practice sessions engaging.
Can I trade in my old gear toward a purchase? +
Absolutely. We offer a highly competitive part-exchange program. You can bring your gear directly to our Huntingdon showroom for an on-the-spot valuation, or contact us online with photos and details to receive a preliminary trade-in estimate.
Why Your First Guitar's Setup Matters Most
The single biggest reason beginners give up the guitar is not a lack of talent—it is a poorly set up instrument. Many cheap, mass-produced guitars arrive straight from the factory with high action (strings too far from the fretboard), sharp fret edges, and poor intonation. This makes the guitar painful to play and difficult to keep in tune, leading to frustration.
At MusicStreet, we eliminate this barrier. Our in-house workshop is staffed by expert guitar technicians who meticulously inspect, adjust, and play-test every single starter guitar before it leaves our store. We lower the action, smooth the fret edges, and adjust the neck relief so that your first chords feel effortless and comfortable.
Choosing the Right Starter Guitar for You
1. Starter Guitars: Electric
If you want to play rock, pop, blues, or metal, a starter guitar electric model is the perfect choice. Electric guitars have thinner strings and lower action than acoustics, making them the easiest option for small hands and beginners to press down.
- Squier by Fender: Squier's Sonic and Affinity series offer authentic Fender designs (like the Stratocaster and Telecaster) with comfortable necks and versatile tones.
- Yamaha Pacifica: The Pacifica 112V is globally renowned as one of the best beginner electric guitars ever made, offering exceptional build quality and a highly versatile pickup configuration.
2. Starter Guitars: Acoustic
For those who love the organic, woody warmth of acoustic music, singer-songwriter styles, or folk, a starter acoustic guitar is the ideal companion.
- Yamaha F Series: Yamaha's entry-level acoustics offer incredible durability, rich projection, and comfortable neck profiles.
- Sigma Guitars: Offering vintage-inspired designs and premium tonewoods, Sigma acoustics deliver boutique-level tone and aesthetics at an accessible price point.
3. Starter Bass Guitars
Lay down the groove. If you are drawn to the rhythm and low-end pulse of the band, finding the best starter bass guitar is essential.
- Squier Affinity Precision & Jazz Basses: These models offer the iconic, comfortable body shapes and classic passive punch that have defined bass history.
- Ibanez Soundgear (SR) Series: Famous for their ultra-thin, fast necks and active electronics, making them incredibly comfortable for beginners.
Don't Forget the Amp: Finding a Good Starter Guitar Amp
If you choose an electric or bass guitar, you will need an amplifier to hear your instrument at its best. A good starter guitar amp should be simple to use, compact, and loaded with helpful features like a headphone jack for silent practice and built-in effects or amp models to help you explore different sounds. We highly recommend the Fender Mustang LT or Yamaha THR series for their incredible versatility and user-friendly interfaces.
4. The MusicStreet Difference: Workshop-Prepared Playability
At MusicStreet, we don't believe in "box shifting." We treat every beginner with the same respect and care as a professional touring musician.
- No Drop-Shipping: Every guitar listed on our site is physically in stock at our Huntingdon store.
- 1-Year Warranty: We back every instrument we sell with a comprehensive 1-year warranty.
- Free UK Shipping: Enjoy free, fully insured UK shipping on all orders over £99, with competitive rates worldwide.
- Flexible Financing: Buy with confidence using Klarna or PayPal split payments.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it easier to learn on an acoustic or electric guitar?
Electric guitars are generally easier for absolute beginners because they have thinner strings, narrower necks, and lower action, requiring less finger strength to press down. However, the best guitar to learn on is the one that inspires you to play the music you love!
What accessories do I need to start playing?
To get started, we recommend a digital clip-on tuner, a comfortable guitar strap, a few medium picks, a guitar stand, and a gig bag to protect your instrument. If you are playing an electric guitar, you will also need an instrument cable and a good starter guitar amp.
Does my starter guitar come set up?
Yes. Every single guitar purchased from MusicStreet receives a professional, custom setup in our in-house workshop before dispatch. If you have specific preferences for string gauge or tuning, simply let us know when placing your order, and our techs will configure it to your exact specifications.
Can I try these guitars in person?
Absolutely. We welcome you to visit our independent showroom at 10 Chequers Court, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. You can get hands-on with our collection, test them through premium amplifiers, and get honest, expert advice from our team of working musicians.
Begin your musical journey with confidence using MusicStreet’s hand-picked selection of starter guitars and beginner instrument packages. Learning to play should be an inspiring and enjoyable experience—that’s why we stock easy-playing acoustic, classical, and electric starter guitars crafted specifically for novice players, young students, and adult beginners alike.
Inspiring Quality for New Players
The biggest obstacle for new guitarists is an uncomfortable instrument. High string action or poor intonation makes chords difficult to press and slows down progress. Our starter range features comfortable neck profiles, smooth fret edges, and reliable hardware that stays in tune. From iconic Stratocaster-style electric packs complete with practice amplifiers, cables, and gig bags, to resonant dreadnought acoustics, we ensure your first instrument sounds great from day one.
The MusicStreet Advantage for Beginners
- Expert In-House Setup Included: Unlike mass-market retailers, our experienced luthiers personally inspect and set up instruments in our workshop (expert setup services from £60), ensuring optimal string height and action right out of the box.
- Visit Our Huntingdon Showroom: Try before you buy! Stop by 10 Chequers Court, Huntingdon (PE29 3LJ), where our friendly team of active musicians will help you find the ideal size and style.
- 1-Year Warranty & Free UK Shipping: All beginner instruments include a full 1-year warranty and free UK delivery on orders over £99.
- Simple, Flexible Payments: Spread your purchase comfortably with Klarna or PayPal Pay in 3 options.
